The Kano State Government has launched the 2025 First Round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), a state-wide campaign offering vital health services for pregnant women and children in all 44 local government areas.
UNICEF Backs the Initiative with Health and Nutrition Support
Speaking at the launch in Birji Primary Healthcare Centre, Madobi, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kano, Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, praised Kano State for being consistent in promoting health, nutrition, and clean water and sanitation (WASH) programs.
With over 17 million people, including 3.5 million children under five and 900,000 pregnant women, the state is receiving major support from UNICEF. The organization is providing Vitamin A and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to over 2.6 million children and 500,000 pregnant women.
Farah encouraged the Kano State Government to invest more in healthcare and ensure adequate funding for health and nutrition. He also called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to consider longer paid maternity leave and more healthcare workers to improve services.
Kano Government Offers Free Health Services and Supplies
Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo, who represented the governor, announced that the programme includes:
- Child immunisation
- Vitamin A supplementation
- Mosquito net distribution for pregnant women
- Deworming for children
- Antenatal care
- Birth registration
He also said maternal and newborn health supplies, such as delivery packs and antenatal drugs to prevent anaemia and malaria, will be given out free of charge.
More Health Support on the Way
Gwarzo revealed that the government is working with global partners to:
- Distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets
- Carry out seasonal malaria treatments
- Provide free medicines for people with hypertension and diabetes
He added that the HPV vaccine—which helps prevent cervical cancer—is now part of regular immunisation for girls. He assured the public that the vaccine is safe and effective.
Expected Impact
The initiative aims to:
- Reduce maternal deaths
- Cut healthcare costs for families
- Prevent diseases like cervical cancer
This effort reflects Kano State’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of women and children through accessible, life-saving healthcare services. To learn more about women healthcare, visit genderpedia.http://genderpedia.ng/shop.
